Is it YumUniverse’s birthday again yet? I know, I know, it was only a month ago, but I still want to share some of the amazing Recipe Contest entries with you like this super creative vegan mini apple pies recipe submitted by Stefanie Ramsden Dougherty. Hopefully, it’s someone’s birthday this week and a nice family member or pal will make this one for you. It is delicious and adorable! Read more…
Tracy Russell, from Incredible Self, not only sent in an easy, summery, party-appropriate Raw Rice Pilaf recipe for the YumUniverse 1st Birthday Recipe Contest, but she sent us this Tropical Layered Strawberry Mango Fusion Smoothie, too. I thought I should share this one with YU—it’s pretty tasty.
Jenné Claiborne from the delectable Sweet Potato Soul not only entered her drool-worthy recipe for Pineapple Almond Balls for the big YumUniverse Party-Themed Recipe Contest, and became a finalist for it, but she also entered this unique twist on guacamole which all the judges loved. We recommend adding a second peach to the mix and encourage you to try it with finalist Meghan Telpner’s Spicy Sweet Potato & Refried Bean Burrito entry. Read more…
Elena Wilkins from Vegalicious really wowed the judges with her gluten-free and raw Chocolate Cheesecake with Strawberry Coulis, especially YU contributor, and former Top Chef contestant, Val Bolon. There was some discussion about whether this entry for the YumUniverse 1st Birthday Recipe Contest should be renamed “a tart” instead of “a cheesecake,” but no matter what the title is, we highly encourage you to make this recipe. All of the judges agreed that this was one of the best entries—almost a finalist. Read more…
The YumUniverse 1st Birthday Recipe Contest was the absolute perfect way to celebrate YumUniverse’s first birthday—friends near and far were a part of the entire proces—tasting, voting and sharing their talents. All of the judges were impressed with the quality and diversity of entries. We had everything from Raw Rice Pilaf to Gazpacho, and Brownie Blizzard Cake to Donuts to try, and now YU have chosen your faves out of our Top 5 Finalists. Drumroll… Read more…
This recipe had my “Top 5” vote for the YumUniverse 1st Birthday Recipe Contest at the first bite. The judges all agreed unanimously, and so Complicatarian’s Basil, Coconut & Lime Pops made it into the Top 5 Finalists for the big contest. There are only 3 days left to vote, have you picked your favorite? Read more…
Team YU and I joined forces in my kitchen and tackled the creation and tasting of 23 incredible recipes for the YumUniverse 1st Birthday Recipe Contest. Coming to a decision about which 5 would be finalists was no easy task. It was next to impossible, really. There was plenty of friendly and playful discussion about what recipes were considered “party appropriate,” what had a good “mouthfeel” and what recipes triggered happy “memories of childhood.” There were a few recipes that judges did not agree upon—and ultimately majority ruled—but we all feel confident that you’ll be excited about the Top 5.
From left to right: Rea Frey Holguin, Maya Henderson, Mark Beier, Valerie Bolon and Heather Crosby
Yes, yes, we are announcing the Top 5 Finalists for the YumUniverse 1st Birthday Recipe Contest today, we just want to show you what was behind this difficult decision. Look for the Top 5 Finalists after lunchtime (T-minus 3 hours)! Read more…
